Marcella Lusardi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Princeton Materials Institute at Princeton University, leading interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials synthesis, catalysis, and sustainability. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT (2018) B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University (2012) Dr. Lusardi's research focuses on designing advanced catalytic materials for environmental challenges, with core expertise in surface science, light-matter interactions, and complex materials processing. Her group develops natural and engineered materials for energy and sustainability applications, emphasizing CO 2 capture/reduction, pollution abatement, and photocatalysis through molecular-level catalyst design. The MatCat Lab integrates experimental techniques like NMR spectroscopy with computational guidance to create scalable solutions for closed carbon cycles and greener chemical processes. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) reveals a dominant focus on zeolite-based catalysis for CO 2 conversion and carbonylation reactions, with growing emphasis on supramolecular assemblies and water-tolerant acid catalysts. Her work consistently bridges fundamental material properties with practical sustainability applications, showing progression toward integrated systems for direct air capture and light-mediated reactions. The MatCat Lab employs a highly interdisciplinary approach centered on defect engineering in silica matrices and molecular recognition for supramolecular networks. Current projects target tailored reaction environments for CO 2 reduction and microplastic oxidation, utilizing advanced synthesis methods and structural elucidation to develop practical catalytic technologies for a sustainable future.
Oliver S. Cossairt is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Northwestern University's departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. He leads the Computational Photography Lab , focusing on computational imaging, optics, and display technologies. His work bridges computer vision, graphics, and optical engineering to design novel imaging systems with applications in medical, astronomical, and scientific domains. Education: Ph.D. Computer Science, Columbia University (2011) M.S. Media Arts and Sciences, MIT Media Lab (2003) B.S. Physics, Evergreen State College (2003) Research Interests: Cossairt develops imaging systems that combine optical innovations with computational methods to enhance performance and functionality. Key areas include computational displays, depth sensing, and high-precision 3D imaging. His work emphasizes practical applications like medical imaging, holography, and non-line-of-sight sensing. Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2015–2020) Best Paper Award at ICCP 2011 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2008–2011) Teaching & Funding: Taught courses on computational photography and computer vision. Secured grants from NSF, NIH, and industry partners (e.g., Samsung, Omron) for projects like Coherent Computational Imaging and Snapshot 3D Holographic Microscope . Labs & Teams: Directs the Computational Photography Lab, collaborating with institutions like Argonne National Labs and museums for projects in cultural heritage imaging.
Gunnar Kusch is a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. His research focuses on defects in semiconductors, porous AlGaN materials, and advanced characterization techniques like cathodoluminescence (CL) and atom probe tomography (APT). He holds a PhD from the University of Strathclyde and leads projects on UV-B LED optimization, nanoscale defect behavior analysis, and semiconductor device design. His work bridges materials synthesis, characterization, and device performance, with applications in energy-efficient lighting and solar cell technology. Key research areas include: Defect engineering in III-nitride semiconductors Porous AlGaN templates for high-efficiency UV emitters Correlative microscopy techniques (CL, EBSD, APT) Composition-structure-property relationships in photovoltaic materials Notable contributions include developing CL-based methods for nanoscale defect analysis and demonstrating improved Cu(In,Ga)S₂ solar cell efficiencies through compositional engineering. His laboratory focuses on translating microscopic insights into macroscopic device improvements.
Erkki Ikonen is a Professor of Measurement Science and Technology at Aalto University since 1995, with a joint appointment at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd since 2005. His roles include membership in the Board of Directors of EURAMET, Chairmanship of the EMPIR Committee (2016–2021), and Vice President Technical of the CIE (2015–2019). He holds M.Sc. and Dr.Sc.Tech. degrees from Helsinki University of Technology (now part of Aalto University). His research focuses on optical measurements, particularly in metrology of complex micro/nanostructures, aerosol analysis, and photovoltaic characterization. He has supervised 35 doctoral students and authored over 190 peer-reviewed publications. Key contributions include advanced reflectometry techniques, field-deployable sensors, and international metrology standards. Education: M.Sc. (Tech.), Helsinki University of Technology, 1982 Dr.Sc.Tech., Helsinki University of Technology, 1988 Awards: Working Community Award 2008 (Helsinki University of Technology) Grants/Advising: 35 supervised doctoral theses; active in international metrology programs like EMPIR. Labs/Teams: Metrology Research Institute at Aalto University.
Dr. Chitraleema Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on solid-state quantum emitters, 2D materials, and quantum optics, aiming to develop quantum technologies for computing, communication, and sensing. She combines computational and experimental approaches to predict, fabricate, and image quantum emitters integrated with photonic devices. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science, University of Rochester (2018) Dual MS and MTech in Nanophysics and Nanostructures, University of Delhi and Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble (France) BSc Honors in Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata (2009) Research interests include quantum emitters in 2D materials, integrated photonics, and hybrid quantum systems. Her work bridges theoretical predictions and experimental validation to advance applications in quantum information and nanoscale sensing. Publications highlight advancements in strain-tunable quantum emitters, on-chip photonic integration, and room-temperature ferromagnetism in van der Waals materials. Recent trends emphasize scalable synthesis methods and defect engineering for quantum technologies. Awards: Carl E. Anderson Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Finalist (2019) Rising Star in EECS (2019) Outstanding Dissertation Award, University of Rochester (2018) Best Student Speaker at MRS Fall Meeting (2017) Egide Scholar, France (2010-2011) Her research group actively explores nanoscale confinement effects and electrical tuning of quantum systems. Collaborations focus on integrating 2D materials with photonic platforms for scalable quantum devices. Ongoing projects aim to develop robust quantum emitters for real-world applications.
Ares J. Rosakis is the Theodore von Kármán Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he served as Chair of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science from 2009-2015 and previously as Director of the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT). He has held numerous prestigious visiting professorships including at Nanyang Technological University, Northwestern University, Columbia University, Oxford University, and École Normale Supérieure in Paris. Rosakis earned his B.A. and M.A. in Engineering Science from Oxford University in 1978, followed by his Sc.M. (1980) and Ph.D. (1982) in Engineering (Solid Mechanics) from Brown University. He joined Caltech as an Assistant Professor in 1982, was promoted to Associate Professor in 1988, and to full Professor in 1993. In 2004, he was named the Theodore von Kármán Professor, one of Caltech's most distinguished named chairs. Rosakis is globally recognized as the foremost expert in dynamic failure mechanics of solid materials. His pioneering contributions span the dynamic failure of metals, composites, and interfaces. He invented Coherent Gradient Sensing (CGS) interferometry, a novel optical method sensitive to gradients of optical path differences that has been widely adopted in fracture mechanics and thin film stress measurements. His research encompasses dynamic shear-dominated rupture of heterogeneous materials, rupture mechanics of crustal earthquakes (where he experimentally discovered 'intersonic' or 'supershear' ruptures), and reliability of thin films and in-situ wafer level metrology. His work bridges engineering science, materials mechanics, and geophysics with remarkable interdisciplinary impact. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on earthquake mechanics and laboratory simulations of seismic events, particularly supershear earthquake ruptures. The research connects fundamental fracture mechanics with real-world geophysical phenomena, revealing how laboratory-scale experiments can illuminate the physics of large-scale earthquakes. His work has established critical links between theoretical models, experimental observations, and geological field evidence. Rosakis has received numerous prestigious awards including: 2024 Foreign Member of the Royal Society, UK 2023 Honorary PhD from National Technical University of Athens 2023 Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering from University of Illinois 2021 Zdeněk P. Bažant Medal for Failure and Damage Prevention 2018 Timoshenko Medal from ASME 2016 Elected to the National Academy of Sciences 2011 Elected to the National Academy of Engineering Throughout his distinguished career at Caltech, Rosakis has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have become leaders in their fields. His research has been continuously supported by major grants from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and other federal agencies, focusing on dynamic fracture, earthquake mechanics, and advanced optical measurement techniques. He has served on numerous editorial boards and advisory committees for major scientific organizations. At Caltech, Rosakis leads research in the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT), where he has established world-class experimental facilities for studying dynamic fracture and earthquake mechanics. His laboratory features high-speed imaging systems capable of millions of frames per second, infrared diagnostics for temperature field measurements, and specialized equipment for simulating earthquake ruptures at laboratory scale. His research group combines experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to address fundamental questions in solid mechanics and their applications to geophysics and materials engineering.
Mohammad Peydayesh is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology , ETH Zürich. He works in the Food and Soft Material Laboratory , focusing on sustainable materials derived from food waste and agri-food byproducts. PhD in Chemical Engineering (2018, Iran University of Science and Technology) Postdoctoral Fellow at ETH Zürich under Prof. Dr. Mezzenga Senior Assistant at ETH Zürich since 2021 His research spans soft matter , self-assembly phenomena , and amyloid fibril applications in: Environmental engineering (water purification, heavy metal removal) CO2 conversion and storage Smart packaging and bioplastics development Biorefinery concepts and circular economy Nanomaterials for waste valorization Recent publications highlight trends in amyloid-based hybrid materials for: Metal recovery from e-waste and contaminated water CO2 capture and conversion Bioplastic production from agricultural waste Antiviral and detoxification applications Water desalination and purification Photonic and catalytic materials He contributes to the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials , advancing sustainable solutions through interdisciplinary material science.
Scott Kerlin is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Oregon State University's College of Engineering. He holds an M.S. and B.S. in Computer Science from the University of North Dakota. Prior to academia, he worked at the Mayo Clinic on medical software systems and IBM as a build master for enterprise products. His career spans roles including network administrator, lab manager, and Undergraduate Director at UND. Dr. Kerlin's research focuses on bridging industry experience with academic curriculum, particularly in computer science education, project-based learning, and cybersecurity. He emphasizes practical applications of theoretical concepts, such as integrating 3D printing and scanning technologies with security systems for small satellites. His work also explores student efficacy in AI courses and scalable software project management methodologies. He has taught at multiple institutions, including the University of Minnesota and Augsburg University, and held roles at Michigan Tech as Senior Security Engineer. His 2024 Engineering+ Outstanding Teaching Award highlights his commitment to pedagogical innovation. Current projects include in-space 3D printing, solar energy systems, and cryptographic solutions for satellite communications. Key areas of contribution include: 3D printing/Scanning: Material characterization, key replication, and aerospace applications Cybersecurity: Intrusion detection, satellite communications security, and chaotic cryptosystems Educational Innovation: Active learning frameworks, PBL implementation, and student performance modeling His interdisciplinary approach connects computer science fundamentals with real-world engineering challenges, emphasizing sustainability and industry relevance in curricula.
Dr. Michael J. Katz is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He leads an active research group focused on porous materials, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with applications in gas storage, chemical separation, and catalysis. His work is well-recognized in the field of materials chemistry, with numerous publications in high-impact journals spanning from 2005 to 2025. Dr. Katz's primary research interests lie in the synthesis, properties, and applications of porous materials. His work specifically focuses on: Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) design and synthesis Gas storage technologies, particularly low-pressure methane storage Chemical separation processes including removal of harmful molecules from air Catalysis using porous materials Adsorption properties of various porous frameworks Environmental applications of porous materials Analysis of Dr. Katz's publication record from 2017-2025 reveals a strong emphasis on zirconium-based MOFs, particularly the UiO-66 family. His research spans fundamental characterization techniques like NMR spectroscopy to practical applications in carbon capture, gas separation, and environmental remediation. A notable trend is the increasing focus on real-world implementation of MOFs, including biochar-based materials for CO 2 capture and frameworks for air pollutant removal such as nitrous acid. His work demonstrates a progression from fundamental materials science toward practical environmental applications. Dr. Katz actively supervises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in his research group. His laboratory at Memorial University is equipped for the synthesis and characterization of novel porous materials, with particular expertise in metal-organic framework development. His research is supported by various grants that enable the exploration of structure-property relationships in porous materials and their practical applications.
Amanda Stockton is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on the development of analytical instruments for planetary exploration and the study of terrestrial analog environments to understand conditions suitable for life emergence. She leads the Stockton Lab, which specializes in microfluidics, biosignature detection, and astrobiological applications. Education: B.S. in Chemistry and Aerospace Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2004) M.A. in Chemistry, Brown University (2006) Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of California Berkeley (2010) Stockton’s work bridges planetary science and analytical chemistry, targeting extraterrestrial life detection through technologies like the FELDSPAR and IMPOA projects. Her research explores sea spray aerosols, icy moon penetrators, and microfluidic systems for environmental and medical diagnostics. Research Highlights: Instrument development for Europa and Enceladus missions Microfluidic tools for origin-of-life experiments Terrestrial applications in environmental monitoring and point-of-care diagnostics Collaborative studies in Icelandic and Antarctic analog environments The Stockton Lab’s publications reveal expertise in biosignature preservation, Raman spectroscopy, and planetary habitability, with a focus on Mars and ocean worlds. Her team has pioneered low-cost microfluidic platforms like GLUE and modular CE-LIF systems.
Dr. G.K. Knopf is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at Western University, Canada. He holds a Ph.D. (1991), M.Sc. (1987), and B.E. (1984) from the University of Saskatchewan. His work bridges product design, advanced manufacturing, and bio-inspired technologies. Research Focus: Dr. Knopf’s research spans 3D shape reconstruction , laser microfabrication , micro-optics , and bioelectronic imaging arrays . Recent projects emphasize light-driven actuators , flexible electronics , and graphene-based inks for printing circuits on unconventional substrates like silk and paper. Publications: Over 150 peer-reviewed works, including two edited CRC Press volumes ( Smart Biosensor Technology , Optical Nano and Micro Actuator Technology ). Key contributions involve non-lithographic fabrication , bacteriorhodopsin photodetectors , and self-organizing feature maps for data visualization. Awards/Patents: Co-inventor of two U.S. patents (6,542,249 for 3D surface measurement; 7,573,024 for bioelectronic imaging arrays). Teaching: Leads graduate courses in Medical Device Design and Optomechatronic Systems , as well as undergraduate Mechatronics and Medical Device Development courses.
James R. Fienup is the Robert E. Hopkins Professor of Optics at the University of Rochester's Institute of Optics, with additional appointments as Distinguished Scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Professor at the Center for Visual Science, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Affiliated Faculty at the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. His office is located at Wilmot 410, 275 Hutchison Rd., Rochester, NY. Education PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford University (1975) MS in Applied Physics from Stanford University (1972) BA in Physics & Mathematics (magna cum laude) from Holy Cross College (1970) Research Focus Professor Fienup's research specializes in imaging science , with emphasis on phase retrieval algorithms, unconventional imaging techniques, and wavefront sensing. His work spans computational methods for image reconstruction, sparse-aperture systems, and synthetic-aperture imaging. Recent innovations include applying machine learning to wavefront control and developing advanced digital holography techniques for 3D imaging through atmospheric turbulence. Publication Trends His recent articles (2018-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on computational imaging techniques, particularly phase retrieval algorithms applied to optical metrology and wavefront correction. Key themes include multi-plane digital holography, coronagraphic wavefront control for astronomical applications, machine learning-enhanced sensing, and novel approaches for segmented-aperture systems. His work consistently bridges theoretical optics with practical instrumentation challenges. Awards and Honors Lifetime Achievement Award, Hajim School of Engineering (2019) Emmett N. Leith Medal, Optical Society of America (2013) National Academy of Engineering Member (2012) Distinguished Visiting Scientist, JPL (2009) Fellow of OSA and SPIE International Prize in Optics (1983) Rudolf Kingslake Medal (1979) NSF Graduate Fellow (1970-1972) Professional Activities Professor Fienup has served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Optical Society of America A (1998-2003) and held editorial roles at Applied Optics and Optics Letters . He consults for NASA (James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble), national laboratories, and aerospace companies, and holds five patents in optical systems design.
Jun Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. His research focuses on advanced energy materials, nano/micro-mechanics, and self-powered systems, with applications in triboelectric energy harvesting and scanning probe microscopy. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, University of Alberta (2018) MS, Materials Science, Shanghai University (2015) BE, Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University (2012) Research Interests: Development of tribovoltaic and triboelectric systems for self-powered electronics Mechanical energy harvesting via dynamic heterojunctions and Schottky contacts 3D-printed hydrogel structures for energy absorption and flexible electronics Nanoscale characterization using atomic force microscopy Design of nanocomposite sensors and catalytic materials Publication Trends: His work emphasizes triboelectricity, nanoscale energy conversion, and sustainable materials. Recent articles explore bionic tactile sensing, tunable hydrogels, and quantum dynamics in sliding interfaces. Awards: SONY Faculty Innovation Award (2021) Nature Springer MINE Young Scientist Award (2020) International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technology Prize (2013) Laboratory: Advanced Energy Materials and Nanomechanics Lab at University at Buffalo.
Prof. Dr. Raphael Sznitman serves as Director of the ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research and Head of the Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging group at the University of Bern, Switzerland, holding a Full Professor position in AI for Medical Imaging since 2015. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University (2011) MSc in Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University (2009) BSc in Cognitive Systems, University of British Columbia (2007) Research Interests: Sznitman's work centers on computational vision , probabilistic methods , and statistical learning applied to medical imaging challenges. His group develops AI algorithms for ophthalmic diagnostics, surgical robotics, and medical image analysis, with emphasis on OCT, surgical phase recognition, and domain adaptation techniques. Key application areas include retinal disease detection and cataract surgery automation. Publication Trends: His 2021-2025 publications reveal concentrated efforts in deep learning for medical imaging , particularly in ophthalmology (OCT analysis) and surgical video understanding. Emerging themes include LLM applications for clinical monitoring, unsupervised out-of-distribution detection for surgical safety, and physics-informed AI for multimodal medical data fusion. Research Leadership: As ARTORG Center Director, Sznitman oversees interdisciplinary research bridging computer science and clinical medicine. His group collaborates extensively with Bern University Hospital clinicians on translational projects, securing funding for AI-driven diagnostic tools and surgical assistance systems. Current initiatives focus on real-time intraoperative guidance and spaceflight ophthalmology applications. Laboratory: The Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging group operates within ARTORG's dedicated facilities, maintaining partnerships with surgical robotics labs and ophthalmology departments for clinical validation of AI systems. Their work integrates multimodal data streams including OCT, VR perimetry, and surgical video feeds.
David Schuster is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Chicago. His primary research focuses on experimental condensed matter physics, with a particular emphasis on circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED), superconducting qubits, and quantum information science. He leads the Schuster Lab, which explores quantum systems, hybrid quantum technologies, and topological materials. Education: Ph.D. in Physics from Yale University (2007), advised by Robert Schoelkopf. His doctoral work pioneered advancements in circuit QED, demonstrating strong coupling between superconducting qubits and microwave resonators. Research Interests: The lab investigates superconducting quantum circuits, topological photonics, quantum sensors for dark matter, and scalable quantum computing architectures. Projects include developing fluxonium qubits, autonomous error correction, and hybrid systems involving trapped electrons on helium. Key Contributions: Published in Nature , Science , and Physical Review Letters on topics like topological circuits, photon blockade, and dark matter detection using superconducting cavities. Collaborates with groups at Stanford, Purdue, and other institutions on quantum technologies. Students and Collaborators: Advises numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including prominent alumni who have transitioned to postdocs and industry roles. Lab members present at major conferences like the APS March Meeting. Labs: Schuster Lab at the University of Chicago, with access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Pritzker NanoFabrication Facility. Collaborates with the Awschalom, Cleland, and Houck groups on hybrid quantum systems and materials science.
